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a child stealing a doughnut

Why is My Child Stealing and What Can I Do?

If you have a child that steals from you or is shoplifting from stores, it can be a confusing and frustrating experience.

You might be wondering why your child is doing this behavior and what you can do to help them stop. a child stealing a doughnut

There are a few different reasons why children may start stealing.

In this article, we will explore the reasons why children may start stealing and what you can do to help your child stop this behavior.

Why Kids Steal

Oftentimes kids steal because they feel like they lack something that they want or need.

It could be a material object, such as a toy they see another child playing with, or it could be something less tangible, like attention or approval.

Whatever the reason, stealing usually indicates that your child is feeling insecure or unhappy in some way.

Other times, kids steal simply because they can. They know it's wrong and they do it anyway, either for thrills or to test boundaries.

This type of stealing doesn't necessarily mean that there's anything wrong with your child; it may just be a phase he's going through.

What to Do if Your Child Steals

If you suspect that your child is stealing, the first step is to talk to him about it.

Be direct and ask him if he's been taking things that don't belong to him.

Listen to what he has to say and try to understand his point of view.

If he admits to stealing, explain to him why it's wrong and help him come up with a plan to make things right, such as returning the item or apologizing to the person he took it from.

It's also important to address any underlying issues that may be causing your child to steal.

If they're stealing because they feels like they lack something, see if there are ways you can provide more of whatever it is they are after.

For example, if he's stealing sweets because they're always hungry, make sure they're getting enough to eat at mealtimes and provide healthy snacks throughout the day.

If they're stealing because they want more attention, try to spend more time with them doing activities they enjoy.

And if they're stealing simply because they know it's wrong, establish clear rules and consequences for breaking them.

Above all, be patient and understanding. Dealing with a child who steals can be frustrating, but remember that he's just a kid and he's still learning right from wrong.

With a little patience and guidance, they'll eventually outgrow this phase.

What Sort of Punishment Should I Give My Child For Stealing?

The punishment you give your child for stealing will depend on their age, the severity of their offense, and your personal parenting style.

Some parents may choose to simply ground their child, while others may opt for a more serious punishment, such as taking away privileges or sending them to bed early.

It's important to keep in mind that the goal of punishment is to teach your child a lesson, not to seek revenge.

With that in mind, try to come up with a punishment that is appropriate for the crime and that will help your child learn from his mistake.

Suspending allowance, grounding them from playing outside, or taking away TV privileges are all possible punishments for a younger child.

An older child who steals may need a more serious punishment, such as being grounded for a week or losing their cell phone privileges.

Whatever you decide, be sure to follow through with the punishment and avoid making empty threats.

And above all, try to remain calm and avoid yelling or getting angry.

Getting angry will only make the situation worse and it's important to remember that your child is still learning right from wrong.

It's also important to have a discussion with your child about why stealing is wrong and how it can hurt other people.

Help them understand that taking something that doesn't belong to them is wrong and that it can have serious consequences.

Related: Helping Your Child With Anger Issues

Should I Call The Police If My Child Is Stealing From Me?

If your child is a teenager and they are stealing to fuel a drug habit then you should contact the police.

You may feel like you are betraying your child but ultimately their safety is more important than anything else.

If you have any concerns that your child is in danger then you should always err on the side of caution and contact the authorities.

Just remember, that "not doing something" is making matters worse and not better.

When to Worry

If your child is stealing and you can't figure out why, or if he's showing other signs of distress, such as withdrawing from friends or family, acting out in school, or having trouble sleeping, it's a good idea to consult with a doctor or therapist.

They may be able to help you get to the root of the problem and come up with a plan to help your child.

FAQs

What to do with a child who keeps stealing?

Take action now to prevent your child from turning into a thief as an adult.

  • Talk to your child about why stealing is wrong and how it can hurt other people. Help them understand that taking something that doesn't belong to them is wrong and that it can have serious consequences.
  • Establish clear rules and consequences for breaking them. Explain to your child that if they steal, they will lose privileges or face other punishments.
  • Spend more time with your child doing activities they enjoy. Try to provide more of whatever it is they are after, whether it be attention, food, or material possessions.
  • Consult with a doctor or therapist if you are unable to figure out why your child is stealing or if they are showing other signs of distress.

How do you discipline a child who lies and steals?

The punishment you give your child for stealing and lying will depend on their age, the severity of their offense, and your personal parenting style.

Is stealing a symptom of ADHD?

Now, there's no medical or psychological evidence that stealing is a symptom of ADHD. However, some experts believe that kids with ADHD may be more likely to steal because they have impulsivity issues and trouble following rules.

If you think your child may have ADHD, it's important to consult with a doctor or therapist who can help you get to the root of the problem and come up with a plan to address their symptoms.

How do I stop my child from stealing at school?

If your child is stealing at school, it's important to take action now to prevent them from continuing this behavior into adulthood.

Start by talking to your child about why stealing is wrong and how it can hurt other people. Help them understand that taking something that doesn't belong to them is wrong and that it can have serious consequences.

Establish clear rules and consequences for breaking them. Explain to your child that if they steal, they will lose privileges or face other punishments.

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